Options for Giving

Donor collaboration for greater impact illustration.

Your Giving: Simple, Effective & Fulfilling

Establishing a fund can often be done in less time than it takes to open a bank account. You can give any type of asset – cash, stocks, closely held securities, real estate, or personal property – and receive maximum tax benefits.

We take care of the administrative details and grantmaking activities, keeping your giving flexible and eliminating uncertainty about nonprofit sustainability.

People sorting fruits outdoors at sunset.

Community Impact Funds

How will your gift make an impact?
You get to decide.

Community Impact Funds make a lasting difference, addressing our region’s most urgent and evolving needs. You may choose to:

Support our region’s big picture, ever-changing needs,
Designate your gift to support your favorite charities, or
Choose an interest or geographic area that you would like the Foundation to address with your fund.

Three women smiling and sitting together indoors.

Donor Advised Funds

Simplify your giving while staying actively involved.

With a donor advised fund, you are in the driver’s seat. Your fund can make grants to local, national and global organizations. If you want help, our team can also help you identify nonprofits that match your charitable interests.

Scholarship Funds

Invest in the future by helping students achieve their dreams.

The gift of education that a scholarship fund creates is a permanent tribute to the person or organization for which it is named.
You can determine the scholarship purpose and selection criteria, and we manage the details to ensure that awards are disbursed in accordance with your wishes and in compliance with all applicable regulations.

Elderly couple smiling indoors, color photo

"Being fiercely independent, we thought we could manage our charitable giving on our own. We have done so for 20 years and have learned much from the experience. We now understand that the value of working with the Community Foundation provides a broader reach and greater impact for our giving."

- Chet and Karen Opalka

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my gift tax deductible?

Yes. The Community Foundation is a registered 501c3 charity. All gifts are fully tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

What can I name my fund?

You can name your fund anything you want.

What can I donate?

The Community Foundation accepts cash (checks/ACH transfer), stock, securities, real estate and personal property.

Does the Community Foundation accept qualified charitable distributions from retirement accounts?

Yes. Community Impact Funds, Endowed/Designated Funds and Scholarship Funds are qualified to receive these distributions. The IRS restricts Donor Advised Funds from receiving these contributions directly.

What is the minimum to create a fund?

The minimum for a Scholarship Fund is $30,000. The minimum for all other fund types is $5,000.

Can I create a scholarship for nontraditional age students or for the trades?

Yes. The Community Foundation is able to support students throughout their educational journey, regardless of their career path. We offer scholarships for adults returning to college, students pursuing the trades/professional licensure and scholarships for high school students.

Can I fundraise for my fund?

You may contribute to your fund at any time and ask friends and family to contribute. Click here to download the Community Foundation’s Fundraising and Special Events Guidelines.

What are the fees?

Fees on our funds support community grantmaking, nonprofit trainings, leadership development, and the promotion of charitable giving that ultimately transforms the place we call home.